Searching for the perfect four-legged companion often leads to wondering about temperament, especially with small dog breeds. These delightful pooches can be ideal for those seeking a furry friend that fits neatly into any lifestyle, yet temperamental behavior often concerns potential pet owners. Fortunately, some small breeds are renowned for their exemplary manners and friendly dispositions. Whether you desire a loyal lap dog or an active playmate, our list of the nine best-behaved small dog breeds offers ideal candidates for perfect companionship, suited for both families and individuals, ensuring love, loyalty, and lots of tail-wagging joy.
Small dogs hold a special place in many hearts because they fit seamlessly into different lifestyles. Whether you live in a cozy apartment or have a busy schedule, these little companions bring joy and comfort without demanding much space or effort.
Their compact size makes them easy to travel with, budget-friendly to care for, and perfect for snuggling up on the couch after a long day. It’s no wonder they’ve become the go-to choice for so many pet lovers.
When it comes to well-behaved small dogs, their gentle, affectionate personalities truly shine. These breeds are often eager to please, making them easy to train and a delight to have around. Many are great with other pets and children, making them ideal for families of all shapes and sizes. Their low-maintenance nature and moderate exercise needs add to their appeal, making them the perfect blend of charm and practicality.
Now, let’s dive into 9 of the best-behaved small dog breeds that are sure to steal your heart.
Best Behaved Small Dogs
1. Pug
|
Breed Type |
Toy Dog |
|
Size |
Small |
|
Energy Level |
Medium |
|
Grooming Requirements |
Once a week |
Pugs are playful, affectionate, and full of charm, making them perfect companions for families and children. Known as “shadows” because of their tendency to stick close to their owners, they thrive on attention and love being at the center of everything. Their goofy antics and clownish behavior only add to their lovable personalities.
While Pugs are generally friendly with other dogs, pets, and strangers, their love of food is legendary—they’d happily eat all day if given the chance. This, combined with their preference for naps over exercise, means obesity can be a concern. Regular walks and controlled feeding are essential to keep them healthy, even if they’d rather snooze through a rainy day.
Though they may not be the quickest learners, Pugs are trainable with patience and consistency. Their flat faces make them prone to breathing issues, especially in hot weather, so short, frequent walks are best. Omlet states regular cleaning of their skin folds helps prevent irritation, and their snorting, sneezing, and occasional wheezing only add to their quirky appeal.
2. Skye Terrier
|
Breed Type |
Pest Control Dog |
|
Size |
Small |
|
Energy Level |
Low |
|
Grooming Requirements |
More than once per week |
Skye Terriers are loyal, courageous, and surprisingly strong for their size. With their people, they are friendly and good-natured, but they do tend to form a deep bond with one person in particular. While they are generally comfortable with other family members and pets they’ve grown up with, they’re often reserved around strangers, whether human or animal.
These terriers are great companions for active owners, happily joining in on daily walks or even longer hikes. They enjoy a mix of moderate exercise, such as a stroll or a game of fetch, and time to explore their surroundings. Though they aren’t overly demanding in terms of exercise, they do thrive when given opportunities to keep busy, excelling in activities like Earthdog trials and agility.
Their long, flowing coat requires regular brushing to stay neat, but it’s not overly high-maintenance. With their plucky temperament and devotion to their owner, WebMD notes Skye Terriers make charming, reliable companions who love to be part of the action while keeping a watchful eye on their loved ones.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
|
Breed Type |
Toy Dog |
|
Size |
Small |
|
Energy Level |
Medium |
|
Grooming Requirements |
More than once per week |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect mix of affection, playfulness, and charm. These gentle lap dogs thrive on companionship and are happiest when they’re with their families, whether cuddled up on the sofa, playing with kids, or even sleeping on your bed. Their friendly and placid nature makes them excellent therapy dogs and ideal companions for children of all ages.
Cavaliers are eager to please and learn quickly during training, though their playful streak often leads to belly rub breaks. Their soulful eyes and intuitive nature mean they’re always there to comfort you when you’re feeling low. Like most Spaniels, they can be a bit greedy, which can help with training but also requires careful monitoring to avoid overfeeding.
With their long, silky coats, Cavaliers need regular grooming to prevent matting—a task they’ll gladly sit through for the extra attention. While generally healthy, owners should watch for issues like Chronic Hip Dysplasia and obesity.
4. Pekingese
|
Breed Type |
Toy Dog |
|
Size |
Small |
|
Energy Level |
Low |
|
Grooming Requirements |
Everyday |
Pekingese are charming and confident little dogs with a unique blend of independence and affection. They love being part of the action and will happily join in on family activities—when it suits them. These dogs are a delight to watch, often entertaining with their antics, and they’ll gladly curl up on your lap for a cuddle when the mood strikes. However, they can sometimes become possessive, so early training and socialization are key to ensuring they remain friendly and adaptable.
While Pekingese are generally good with respectful children and can keep themselves amused with toys, their stubborn nature makes training a test of patience. PetMD says they’re usually fine with other pets, especially if raised together, and their playful but undemanding nature makes them great companions for apartment living.
Exercise-wise, Pekingese enjoy short walks and playtime in the house or garden but need to avoid overheating due to their flat noses. Their luxurious coat does require regular brushing and occasional trims to keep it looking its best, but the effort is worth it for such a regal and loving companion.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
|
Breed Type |
Herding |
|
Size |
Small |
|
Energy Level |
Medium |
|
Grooming Requirements |
More than once per week |
Corgis are smart, quick-witted dogs who thrive on being part of the family. They’re loving, playful, and full of personality, but their herding instincts can lead them to try and “herd” small children, so supervision is key. Corgis make excellent watchdogs, alerting you to any noise, though their enthusiasm for barking can become a bit much. While they may be reserved with strangers at first, proper socialization helps them become more open and friendly.
Bred as working dogs, Corgis are highly intelligent and need mental stimulation to stay happy. They love to learn and enjoy keeping busy, but their stubborn streak means training needs to be consistent and fun. They’re deeply devoted to their families, often tuning into their owner’s emotions and providing comfort when needed, making them great therapy dogs.
Corgis are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming; brushing a few times a week is enough to keep their coat looking neat. They do have a tendency to gain weight easily, so feeding should be carefully monitored to avoid obesity.
6. Shih Tzu
|
Breed Type |
Companion Dog |
|
Size |
Small |
|
Energy Level |
Medium |
|
Grooming Requirements |
Everyday |
The Shih Tzu is a delightful mix of playfulness and affection, making them the perfect lap dog for anyone who loves a loyal, cuddly companion. Despite their small size and sweet nature, they’re not pushovers and can stand their ground when needed. They thrive on human company and are happiest when lounging on your lap, bed, or sofa. Friendly with strangers, other pets, and dogs, they are an excellent choice as companion dogs and enjoy playing with respectful children, though some males can occasionally be a bit snappy.
Shih Tzus are eager to meet people, often perking up at the sound of the door, not so much as watchdogs but out of excitement for more attention. They are well-suited to smaller homes or apartments, thanks to their low exercise needs. A short walk around the block is usually enough before they’re ready to settle in for a nap. However, they’re not fans of hot weather, so it’s best to keep their outdoor time brief when it’s warm.
Training a Shih Tzu requires patience and consistency, as they tend to learn at their own pace. Using positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and rewards works best.
7. Bichon Frise
|
Breed Type |
Toy Dog |
|
Size |
Small |
|
Energy Level |
High |
|
Grooming Requirements |
Everyday |
Bichons are cheerful, affectionate dogs who thrive on human companionship. They love being the center of attention and will happily stick by your side all day. Their playful and gentle nature makes them great pets for families with respectful children, and they usually get along well with strangers, other dogs, and pets. However, they dislike being left alone for long periods and can become bored or destructive if left without company or stimulation.
These little dogs are sensitive and responsive, quickly picking up on your mood and changes in their surroundings. With their excellent hearing, they’re quick to bark at even the smallest noise, making them effective watchdogs—though early training is essential to prevent excessive barking. Bichons are intelligent and enjoy learning, so consistent training will help them grow into well-mannered companions.
In terms of exercise, they’re happy with short walks or simply being out and about with you, whether that’s a stroll to the shops or a car ride. Bichons are also hypoallergenic, as their fur tends not to shed much and holds onto dander, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.
8. Maltese
|
Breed Type |
Toy Dog |
|
Size |
Small |
|
Energy Level |
High |
|
Grooming Requirements |
Everyday |
Maltese dogs are the ultimate companions for anyone who loves affectionate, playful pets. These friendly little dogs thrive on human attention and are happiest when they’re curled up on your lap or following you around. Their puppy-like energy seems to last a lifetime, making them wonderful playmates for children—as long as the kids are gentle and treat them with respect.
While Maltese don’t need much exercise, a short walk or a romp in the yard is enough to keep them content. They’ll bark to alert you when someone’s at the door but are quick to shower guests with affection once they’re inside. Though they can be a bit barky at times, their intelligence makes them easy to train, and proper socialization can help curb excessive noise and separation anxiety.
These little dogs get along well with other pets and are best suited as companions, bringing endless joy with their cuddly, loving nature. With the right care and training, Maltese is sure to brighten your day and fill your home with warmth.
9. Pomeranian
|
Breed Type |
Toy Dog |
|
Size |
Small |
|
Energy Level |
High |
|
Grooming Requirements |
More than once per week |
Pomeranians are lively little dogs with big personalities. They’re curious, playful, and always eager to be part of whatever’s happening around them. These friendly pups enjoy attention from everyone, but they can also be protective of their owners when strangers are nearby. That’s why early socialization and introducing them to new people is so important to help them feel comfortable.
Intelligent and easy to train, Pomeranians love learning new tricks and playing games that challenge their minds. They’re great lap dogs and adore cuddling up with their owners, making them excellent companions.
Their friendly nature even makes them suitable as therapy dogs. While they don’t need much exercise, a quick daily walk or some time running around the yard keeps them happy and healthy.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best-behaved and obedient small dog breeds, there’s truly a perfect match for every pet parent. Whether you’re drawn to the gentle disposition of a Cocker Spaniel, the charm of Yorkshire Terriers, or the outgoing personality of Boston Terriers, each breed offers something unique.
While not all popular small dog breeds, like the Norfolk Terrier, Italian Greyhound, or Miniature Pinscher, made our list, they each have qualities that appeal to particular pet parents seeking a loving, loyal companion. Choosing a particular breed often depends on your family’s needs, especially if you have young children or are looking for a small breed that adapts well to your lifestyle.
From smooth coats to thick double coats, the coat types and grooming needs of small dogs vary widely. Whether you prefer a low-shedding breed like the Lhasa Apso or one that requires minimal grooming, like the Cairn Terrier, there’s a dog for everyone.
Regardless of the breed, obedience training and socialization are key to raising a well-behaved dog. With their affectionate natures, these adorable companions bring joy to families of all kinds, proving why they’re often considered the best small dog breeds.
In conclusion, the nine best-behaved small dog breeds offer exceptional companionship, making them ideal for various lifestyles. These breeds, known for their amiable temperaments, adaptability, and affectionate nature, are perfect for families, singles, and seniors alike. Their manageable size and delightful personalities ensure they fit seamlessly into various living situations, providing loyal friendship and joy. By choosing one of these well-mannered breeds, prospective dog owners can look forward to a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with a pet that effortlessly enhances their daily lives while requiring comparatively low maintenance.